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TIP: The passmo card system that I spoke about wasn't actually up and running in Kyoto during our trip. It did make travel a bit more complicated and panicked, as, being recent school leavers and unwilling to get up earlier than necessary, we would always get to the station at the last minute. So just make sure to hold onto all of your small change in Kyoto!

On our first day in Kyoto, we took the short walk from our rental house to Kiomizudera Temple, also known as the love temple. It was such a fun day and the temple has a sensational view of Kyoto (although probably much better in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom). There were actually quite a few interactive tasks to do at this temple, drinking from Otowa Waterfall, walking blindly from one stone to another (6 meters apart) as a symbol of finding your true love (this was such great fun as you have your friends surrounding, shouting at you which direction to walk) buying fortune scrolls and trying to lift the staff and shoes of the old temple Monks (they are so heavy its ridiculous). Much like Sensoji Temple, there is a long lead up to the temple, of shops and stalls selling all kinds of delicious foods and fantastic souvenirs (traditional and cheesy).

spa world in osaka was another great but also slightly challenging experience. If you have got the balls to walk around butt naked (it is very liberating) in front of dozens of other Japanese women - in your case it may be men as they are sectioned off by gender - then by all means go and enjoy the many spas. If not, they have a a wealth of other treatments such as massages, facials, those little fishy things that eat away the dead skin on your toes etc.

Being an animal enthusiast, I simply fell to pieces when we visited nara deer park and iwatayama monkey park.

It was a legitimate trek to get to the monkey park - about twenty minutes uphill on a mostly dirt and rock, single file trails with tree terrain on either side. The entrance fee is only about $6AUD and you will need extra money to purchase the monkey food but this experience is well worth every penny, in my opinion. At the end of the journey you come upon a little hut, surrounded by monkeys. I'll admit I was more than just a little nervous walking through all of them, but they weren't concerned in the least about me, they are used to humans and will be nice to you because you mean food. You can choses to feed them indoors through windows or outdoors and you will get some seriously great photos.

TIP: I would advise wearing walking / exercise shoes on this particular part of the trip. I know Japan is a very fashion forward place but trust me you don't want to ruin a good pair of shoes or walk away with blisters galore!The deer park was much less difficult to get to and I just felt so sad there. The deers were just so placid and chill, which was great for us because it meant we could get right up close and cuddle with them but at the same time you really feel like something in not quite right. I am really claustrophobic so I didn't actually attempt this but the todaiji pillar is another great attraction at Nara. It is quite literally a square hole at the base of a giant pillar that is believed to bring you enlightenment if you crawl through it - fun fun.

TIP: Vending machines were such a marvel to us in Japan. There was one right out the from of out apartment in Ikejiri-ohashi that served hot chocolate in a can! We lived off of these machines and they were much more affordable that the vending machines in Australia. photo booths are another thing you really do have to do while you are in Japan. There are so many of them, especially in Tokyo but you will also find them in central shopping areas of Kyoto, usually situated in gaming centres. They come with all different themes, sizes, editing and accessories! They range anywhere between about $9 - $20 AUD depending on the place and machine and are a great souvenir to take away with you.

Our day trip to hiroshima was a very emotionally draining day. There are so many beautiful tributes in the town to the victims and their families, I challenge you to not cry. The museum erected in honour of the event was a very sombre and respectful place and it was incredible to hear the stories from the museum guide. I don't want to start a political or moral argument by saying this, but growing up you really only learn about the history of your own countries involvement during the war. It was truly interesting and enlightening to learn about all the sacrifices and tragedy that befell Japan during the war. As sad as it is I would definitely recommend visiting the museum. It actually snowed on the day that we travelled to hiroshima which added to the sad atmosphere, but was also very beautiful.

For the last leg of our trip we were back in Tokyo, Ikejiri-Ohasshi and for us, it was all about the food and the shopping. Shibuya is definitely on of the best places you can go for a beauty/fashion shopping fix.On one of those quite nights, when we were all so knackered and couldn't be bothered to go out, I experienced my first earth quake. I remember I was tucked up on the couch watching Memoirs of a Geisha and all of a sudden I thought I felt I bit dizzy. My visions was ever so slightly blurred and I felt a light vibration. I stopped dead and pulled out my earphones, looking around I caught the gaze of my friend and realised it wasn't just me. We were so panicked, because we had never been in one, that we didn't move - we actually startedlaughing. It didn't last very long and it wasn't at all violent, but still we were in absolute awe and spent the next hour or so discussing it and laughing at different hiding spots (like door ways, fridges, under beds) we had heard about.

On a very rushed last minute stocking-up-on-presents trip to Sensoji Temple I actually ran straight past the Bondi vet (I'm like 99% sure it was him). But because of my time constraints I only had time to run wide eyed and mouth agape past him - very much to my dismay.

These little babies weren't technically from the markets - I picked them up from a second hand shop (like Vinnies or Salvos, but I can't remember which one) a few shops down. Usually a size 8 1/2 in shoes, I skeptically tried on the size 8 shoe andvoila. Without thinking twice I ran them over to the counter and paid the lady $20 for them. I only later put two and two together when I saw the brand and realise that I paid $20 for a pair ofKmartshoes that probably only cost $15 to been with. Oh well, I still love them.

Even though I didn't actual purchase this Bronzing Rice Powder from Brands Exclusive I thought I would throw it in while I was talking about the brand. Its not messy, powdery (chalky) or over the top pigmented. I find the colour to be just right in adding a nice warmth to my skin, it blends superbly and it is easily buildable if you want to use it in contouring. The pack also comes in two shades so you can opt to use one side for bronzing and one for contouring - personally I like to just swirl my brush over both of them.

Real Rosehip Lip Bar in Love

I think I've bee through about 3 or 4 of these - not because its a stand out product that I just simply must always use, but because I keep losing it. In the past I remember it having a greater colour pay off, this particular lipstick is almost completely sheer. It's a very hydrating product and I think this is a great alternative for those that don't like lip gloss, you get that beautiful glossy shine without the gross sticky feeling.

Beautiful Beetroot Cheek & Lip Tint in Joy

I have found that I prefer to wear this as a cheek stain as opposed to a lip stain as the colour looks a little too rusty on my lips. I have been applying this either with a light hand over the top of my liquid foundation or with a bit more va va va voom (a heavier application) underneath my liquid foundation. Red toned blushes, I find, give you the most natural rosy appearance - like you've been standing outside on a cold winter night.

Correcting Calendula Powder Foundation in Light

If I am being completely honest with you guys, I was pretty let down by this product. There was absolutely minimal coverage, to the point where I think only those lucky phew with absolutely nothing wrong with their skin would want to use this as a foundation. It does seem to posses these tiny little flecks of shimmer - so tiny that for a long while I was convinced I was just seeing things - which gives the skin a beautiful radiance and glow, whilst still maintaining a matte finish. Because of this I think it makes a fantastic finishing powder but does not cover it as a foundation.

Naobay Skincare

Calming Face Toner

I haven't got all that much to say about these products individually. I think they are nice enough products but not so incredibly life changing that I would fork out the extra $30 per product.

On a good note, I love the packaging - so clean and modern!

On a bad note, I noticed that the red pigmentation in my skin was a bit amplified after using this system and not just on the one occasion but several times.

Moisturising Milk Cleanser

"Moisturising" Milk Cleanser is definitely a good title for this product. Good for hydration but needs a bit of help as far as cleansing goes - if you are after a good hydrating cleanser that gets everything off I would recommend Lush Ultrabland.

Oxygenating Cream Moisturiser

Despite the fact that I have oily skin, I do still enjoy (and would encourage other oily skin girls to enjoy) a truly hydrating moisturiser. This product feels really nice and refreshing when you apply it to the skin and it is absorbed in a matter of seconds. Alas it didn't quite meet my demands / standards as far as hydration goes - my skin felt tight and dry as though I had never even applied moisturiser in the first place.

Price Point: I paid $69 AUD plus (unfortunately, a hefty) $40 for postage from France) Details: I am really impressed with the amount of detail the the seller was able to provide in the description, because of this I will be able to determine the best practices for maintaining the purse.
It's a beautiful 1960's style, reinforced with wood panels on either end on the inside so it's nice and sturdy. It is made with Willow reeds. It opens on one side from a metal clasp at the top.
It measures 26cm long and 16cm wide and is plenty big enough to fit my phone, wallet, a small makeup case and hell even a good sized book - enough for a standard day out!My thoughts: It's a little bit dusty, some areas are slightly discoloured from age and there is a tiny hole on one of the side panels but these are pretty trivial and for being an odd 50+ years old it's looking fan-fricking-tabulous!It does feel pretty sturdy in that I think it could hold up the usual hord of things that I throw in my bag for a day out, but I still feel like I am going to want to be a bit more careful with it - as though I can't just throw it on the seat next to me or squish it up against a wall when things get a bit crowded. The clasp and opening wall move pretty freely so I won't have any issue getting things in and out. I can't wait to pair it with a pretty summer dress - I am dying to get my hands on the Bernie Dexter Trixie top and matching skirt in the beautiful Gingham style - and a pair of pretty heels!!